EAST SETAUKET, N.Y. - s4story -- When most wine enthusiasts think of American wine, their minds often jump to California's Napa Valley or Sonoma, or perhaps Oregon's Willamette Valley. But tucked away on the North Fork of Long Island, NY lies a vineyard with history, vision, and quality that rivals the best. Lenz Winery is one of the region's true pioneers, helping to establish Long Island as a respected wine region while producing wines that continue to impress critics and consumers alike.

Mora's Fine Wine & Spirits takes pride in showcasing wineries that combine vision, history, and terroir. Lenz Winery is one of those standout producers.

The History of Lenz Winery

Lenz Winery was founded in 1978, making it one of the earliest commercial vineyards on Long Island's North Fork. At the time, Long Island wine production was largely experimental — a handful of vineyards dotted the region, and the idea of crafting wines to compete on a global scale seemed ambitious. But founder David Lenz had a clear vision: he believed that Long Island's maritime climate, sandy soils, and long growing season could produce wines of exceptional quality if approached with careful viticulture and innovative winemaking.

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The Lenz family planted their first vines with a focus on Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. From the outset, their philosophy was rooted in low yields, careful canopy management, and precise harvest timing. This approach allowed them to produce wines with balance, structure, and complexity — characteristics essential for gaining credibility in the wine world.

Over the decades, Lenz has remained a family-run winery, committed to the original vision while also embracing new techniques and trends. They were among the first in Long Island to focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, demonstrating that the North Fork could support structured, age-worthy reds — a concept that was groundbreaking at the time.

Lenz Winery's Role in Pioneering Long Island Wine

The North Fork of Long Island now enjoys recognition as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), with dozens of wineries producing high-quality wines. But it took visionary producers like Lenz to put the region on the map.

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Lenz was one of the first to show that Bordeaux-style reds could thrive on Long Island. By experimenting with vineyard sites, trellising systems, and grape varieties, Lenz helped establish best practices for viniculture on the North Fork. Their wines consistently earned critical acclaim, attracting attention from sommeliers, wine critics, and collectors.

Beyond producing quality wines, Lenz has contributed to the region's reputation through community leadership and advocacy. By hosting tastings, wine dinners, and educational events, they've helped promote Long Island wines nationally and internationally, building awareness that extends far beyond the state …

https://www.moraswines.com/long-island-wine-lenz-winery/